Golden State Warriors fans are clamoring for the team to make a move. After getting off to a wonderful start at 12-3, Golden State is just 5-13 since. Yes, they traded for Dennis Schroder, but Schroder has struggled with his new team. Could Nikola Vucevic be an option?
According to Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson III, and Sam Amick of The Athletic, he is an option that the Warriors are considering.
Two-Time All-Star Center Could Be In The Mix For Warriors
Currently Having Best Shooting Season Of His Career
Now 34 years old, Vucevic is in his 14th NBA season. The 6-foot-10 center is in the midst of the best shooting season of his career. In his 33 outings with the Chicago Bulls, Vucevic has career-best shooting marks from both the field (55.9%) and three-point range (44.0%). His 20.3 points per game are his most since the 2020-21 season.
It’s a stark difference from 2023-24, where the two-time All-Star was unable to find his outside shot. Vucevic knocked down just 29.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Once again, Chicago is firmly in NBA purgatory, nowhere near good enough to be a contender, but not bad enough to be amongst the teams with the most ping pong balls come draft lottery time. Currently they are 15-19, 10th in the Eastern Conference. They finished ninth in the East last season, and 10th in 2022-23.
Many speculate that the Bulls want to deal veterans, and instead play their youth. This is due to their first round pick being owed to the San Antonio Spurs if it lands outside the top 10. Vucevic, of course, is one of those veterans that has been rumored to potentially be traded.
The Athletic wrote on how the Warriors have had discussions about acquiring Vucevic. The article states,
”Nikola Vučević has actually emerged as the more discussed Warriors’ trade target, according to team and league sources. The front office and coaching staff have acknowledged back to training camp this team’s need for a true stretch center, something Curry has never really had. Vučević is making 44 percent of his nearly five 3s per game this season and averaging 20.3 points per game. In theory, he’d get protected on defense by Green, while opening up offensive space for Curry, Wiggins and Kuminga.”
It is true that Stephen Curry hasn’t had that stretch center in his career. While centers such as Andrew Bogut, Javale McGee, Kevon Looney, and Trayce Jackson-Davis have been valuable for the team, none were/are extending their offensive game to past the three-point line.
How Would Vucevic Fit With The Warriors?
While Vucevic has been one of the better offensive centers for some time, he’s never been confused as being much of a defensive presence. With Draymond Green on the roster, Golden State can put Vucevic on someone who isn’t much of an offensive threat. He has always been a strong rebounder as well and is averaging 10.1 this season.
The Warriors have had their difficulties on the offensive end though. They rank 18th in offensive rating, 24th in field goal percentage, and dead last in free-throw percentage. Those are numbers that can be improved upon with Vucevic in the fold.
There are 33 days remaining until the trade deadline. While Vucevic isn’t the sexiest name, he can definitely provide help on the offensive end for the Warriors. He has one year left on his contract after this season at $21.48 million.
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